Officiating at the opening ceremony are Deputy Director, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Wang Fengchao; Director General, Film Bureau, State Administration of Radio, Film & TV of People's Republic of China, Mr Tong Gang; Head of Publicity, Culture and Sports Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Zhao Guangting; Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Miss Choi Suk-kuen and Chairman & General Manager of Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd, Mr Dou Shou Fang.

Other guests include the director of the opening film, "Life Show", Mr Huo Jianqi, director of "Heavenly Grassland" Ms Mai Lisi and leading actress of "Fighting the Torrent" Ms Yi Chunde.

From now until October 31, 11 recent Mainland films which offer rare insights into Chinese city life will be shown at the Grand Theatre of HKCC, the Lecture Hall of Hong Kong Science Museum and the Cinema of the Hong Kong Film Archive.

The opening film, "Life Show", is the tale of a businesswoman who is busy juggling difficult family relationships, friendships and a love affair.

Other highlights are "Green Tea", the latest release from Zhang Yuan, a mysterious and refreshing love story featuring top stars Jiang Wen and Zhao Wei; and Feng Xiaogang's "A Sigh", demonstrating what lies beneath the surface of an apparently happy Chinese family.

"Sky Lovers" is a delicate fairy tale about a deaf man and a mute girl played by Liu Ye and Don Jie. "On the Other side of the bridge" is a vivid portrait of the 60-year romance between an Austrian woman and a Chinese man based on a true story. "Heavenly Grassland" is a fascinating glimpse into a unique culture that is like a breath of fresh air.

Also not to be missed are the inspiring and moving literary adaptation "The Story of Lotus", the thought-provoking "Pretty Big Feet", the splendidly produced "Fighting the Torrent", the action film "A Fatal Attack", and "CEO", based on the real story of a company's struggle to succeed.

All films are in Putonghua with Chinese and English subtitles.

Tickets priced at $40 per showing are available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concessionary tickets are available for senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. There will be a 10% discount for each purchase of six to 10 tickets and a 20% discount for each purchase of 11 or more tickets.

For programme information call 2734 2900/ 2527 7284/ 2780 5355 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp. Reservations can be made by phone at 2734 9009 or on the internet at www.urbtix.gov.hk.